Our Experience with Alumina on Alumina Weight Bearing in Everyday Orthopedic Practice

Abstract:

The research for an ideal hip prosthesis has led to the development of several durable materials that have been tested very intensly during the past decades, both clinically and mechanically. Alumina on alumina bearing has proven to be a very reliable bearing and is used more and more often. Nevertheless, because of the lack of ductility of alumina ceramic, concerns have been raised regarding its risk of fracture. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the mid-term results (78 months follow-up) of alumina on alumina prosthesis and the complications that have appeared regarding to the properties of the implant. We have reviewed retrospectively 89 THA performed in our clinic during October 2005 – October 2013 on a follow-up period of maximum 78 months. The mean age of the patients included was 49,60 years for men and 48,44 years for women. It was used a single kind of implant with same type of alumina parts, applied only on a postero-lateral surgical approach. The survival rate of ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surface by itself was 98.87% (88 out of 89). The most frequent complication was the dislocation of the prosthesis that happened in 7 cases, mainly due to a malposition of the acetabular cup, without any damage done to the ceramic bearing surfaces. In the failed case we have encountered a cracked femoral head that has been previously resterilized by steam. We could conclude that the alumina on alumina prosthesis is a very reliable prosthesis regarding its durability and strength. It requires a very precise surgical technique when implanted, since almost all the complications were due to a malposition of the acetabular component. A postero-lateral wall of the liner might decrease the rate of dislocations and ceramic wear. Also, we might debate that the steam sterilization is not suitable for alumina implants, since the fractured femoral head was resterilized.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 614)
• Pages: 212-217
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.614.212
• Online since: June 2014
• Authors: Dan Grecu*, Dan Tarnita, Daniela Tarniţă, D.R. Nita
• Keywords: Alumina, Hip Prosthesis, Orthopaedics, Total Hip Replacement

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